Basic boxing techniques and tips

Boxing is a brutal sport and if you do not know what you are doing in the ring, you will never survive. Fighters start by learning the basics, which include the stance and the punches. The skills are developed as the boxer learns how and when to use these boxing techniques together during a fight. Whether you want to fight professionally or just spar with a few mates on the weekends, knowing basic boxing techniques is a must. The following techniques apply to orthodox or right-handed fighters. For Southpaws, left-handed fighters, the techniques are reversed.

Boxing Techniques: The Stance

The stance is the most important boxing technique you’ll use throughout the entire fight. You must have it perfect before you can begin punching or defending yourself.

Start with the knees shoulder width apart and slightly bend.

Place your left foot forward and bend slightly at the hips.

Keep arms in tight with the elbows at the rib cage, fists at the face, and the chin down.

Boxing Techniques: The Punches

The punches include the jab, the cross and the hook. Used together, they are the 1-2-3 combo and your main weapon during the fight. To finish off an opponent, mastering the 1-2-3-2-3 combo will wear him out and not give him a chance to fight back.

Keep your stance before and after all punches and combinations.

1 – Jab

The jab is your main punch and you will use this move the most during the fight. It pushes the opponent back give distance to set up your other punches.

Step out with your right foot as you jab with your left arm, pushing your opponent back. Return to your stance position and jab again.

2 – Cross

The right cross is just like it sounds, the right fist crossing in front of the body to land its punch.

Pivot the back foot and the knee in towards the body, as you turn your body into the direction the punch will go.

Take your right fist, crossing over the body to punch your opponent in the face.

This is your powerhouse punch, so throw all your strength into it as you pivot your body into the motion. Your right shoulder will be near your face to protect it from oncoming punches during the move.

3 – Hook

You return to your left hand to deliver the hook by keeping the arm and elbow parallel to the floor. The fist is thrown in a hook-motion to connect with the side of the opponent’s head.